SRINAGAR: Srinagar, Kashmir’s main city, has been celebrated as a smart city for several years, but its resilience was tested with a few inches of snow on December 27. The snowfall led to widespread disruption, grounding the entire fleet of red buses and discouraging private transport operators from venturing out. Although some Sumo services briefly operated, they disappeared, leaving thousands of workers stranded at road intersections, seeking lifts to reach their destinations.
While major roads in the city were cleared of snow early in the morning, inner roads and lanes remained untouched, effectively trapping residents within their localities for much of the day. The city saw some activity in Lal Chowk and along the Boulevard, thanks to tourists who turned parts of Pratap Park into an informal snow festival. Visitors from the plains revelled in the wintry spectacle, even as most markets remained partially shut due to the cold and the absence of workers.
One notable issue was the slipperiness of the newly installed tiles on Lal Chowk’s pavements. These imported tiles, designed with finished stone from the plains, proved treacherous for pedestrians. Under sub-zero night temperatures, frost would turn them into serious hazards. The traditional devri stone tiles they replaced never had such problems, raising concerns about the suitability of the new materials for Srinagar’s harsh winters.
The Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Dr Owais Ahmed, meanwhile, toured various areas, including Lal Chowk, SMHS Hospital, and government housing colonies in Balgarden, Karanagar, Sanat Nagar, Chanpora, and the Leprosy Hospital in Bahrar Lal Bazar. During his inspections, he assessed snow clearance and dewatering operations, engaging with residents and supervisors to understand the challenges and effectiveness of the efforts.
Dr Ahmed issued on-the-spot directives for expedited snow removal and dewatering to ensure public safety, maintain transportation, and minimise disruption to essential services. He also commended the dedication of SMC frontline workers, recognising their critical role in managing the aftermath of the snowfall.
